Description
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of lemon, butter, and herbs for a delightful meal. With juicy, tender chicken thighs or breasts baked to perfection in a lemony, buttery sauce, this dish is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or any time you want a dish that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. The combination of tangy lemon, rich butter, and aromatic garlic and herbs will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, leaving everyone eager to dive into the meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Gather these ingredients to make your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh if preferred)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop until fully liquefied.
- Mix the Sauce: To the melted butter, add olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until all ingredients are well combined.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides of each piece with salt and pepper.
- Place the Chicken in a Baking Dish: Arrange the chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
Bake the Chicken:
- Pour the Lemon Butter Sauce: Pour the prepared lemon butter sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is coated well.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the sauce is bubbling.
Serve and Garnish:
- Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 40g